An Interview with Henna Caravan Co-Owner Falvia McQueen

Flavia McQueen is an influential figure in the American henna art scene. As a matter of fact, Flavia’s company is the place where my mother purchased my first henna kit for me, and I’ve been a loyal costumer ever since.  Flavia is co-owner of Henna Caravan, an amazing PPD free henna supply webiste, with her daughter Jessica McQueen.  Business savy with a high standard for quality and business ethics, these women have worked diligently to make Henna Caravan one of the largest PPD free henna distributors in the world.  This December, Flavia was kind enough to allow me to interview her.         

The Interview

Natalie Santiago Bidne: Okay, my first question is rather simple. When was Henna Caravan first established?


Flavia McQueen: Henna Caravan was first established in 1997

Natalie Santiago Bidne: 

Was it more modest in size then?

Flavia McQueen:

 Henna Caravan was just Jessica and I in the beginning. We added staff as we grew to be the largest henna company east of Ohia



Ohio



The largest company of henna artists .


Natalie Santiago Bidne: So your company is part service oriented and part distribution of henna products?




Flavia McQueen: We started out as 100% service , and then as we needed more product we had to source premium products. In this manner we grew into a full service company of both artists and wholesale and retail.




Natalie Santiago Bidne: Why did you start to do henna art professionally?

Flavia McQueen: 1996- when Jessica started . I also was doing henna but was put in the position of speaking with people and running the business/booth. At that point , 1997 I gave all my attention to being the educator and contact person for the business. At that time no one knew anything about henna. It took a lot of effort to educate our community . Jessica was working on her degree in Fine Arts, and had always been an artist. It made perfect sense for her to persue the artistic side while I was the “face” of the business.

At this time, we also had a need for a second artist and Carissa was hired. She had been studying drawing and art for many years.

Natalie Santiago Bidne: 

So, today, how many customers did Henna Caravan sell goods to this past year?

Flavia McQueen: 

I don’t know, but we ship out worldwide every week. 



We ship 5 days a week, with no extra charge for “special handling” or phone calls or personal attention.

Natalie Santiago Bidne: 

When did PPD free become a big selling point for henna artists?



Or rather, when did it seem that artists were aware that they should be informed of what is in their henna paste

Flavia McQueen:

 Everyone is looking for something cheap and easy to use so they can make money fast and emulate “real tattoos” , sadly people in other countries now look on PPD black as ” part of the their culture and normal” but it is a relatively new phenomenon. Only the last 15 years or so. But that is long enough for people to have embraced it . I think anyone who uses it is now fully aware of the dangers – at least here in the US. People in other countries either don’t know or don’t care, they just say their customers ask for and want “black henna”

Part of my job at festivals and jobs is to educate the client about the dangers they can run into. Henna caravan is a small family-run business and we would never do anything to harm anyone. I would never let my daughters use or apply dangerous chemicals. 



I think we have always been aware and concerned from the beginning. Because we have sensitivity to chemical and petrochemical products we were always careful.

Natalie Santiago Bidne: Your company hosts a henna conference every year, for how many years, now…?

Flavia McQueen: 



Our conference has grown to be the largest in the US and possibly the world, we celebrated our 5th Henna Con this year.


Natalie Santiago Bidne: 

Do you mind sharing a little more about the conference?
 Maybe how it started off and what it’s grown into



?

Flavia McQueen: 

I wanted to have a time where we could gather together and share knowledge and camaraderie with other respected artists who would be happy to share with others. I thought it would be fun, and if we only had a few people it would be a nice get away and an intimate gathering. That first group was 40 people ! Each year we have grown in size and have been able to bring the world’s nicest and best teachers to share with the group . The classes are geared for all levels, from people who have never even had henna to master artists . Each of our teachers is a master teacher and is passionate about henna and sharing with others.



We are so fortunate to be able to offer an amazing immersion into henna weekend where you can be fully educated on all aspects of henna and business . In addition, we have plenty of time outside of formal classes for one on one time with any teacher so mini tutoring and demos happen all the time. For the staff, the attraction of hard work is also rewarded by the mega love fest and jokes and laughter and sharing and caring we have fostered by welcoming everyone into our family.



We try to provide everything you need at our Henna Con, from unlimited supplies, classes, souvenirs, shopping, fun, big book of instruction, hotel, meals and lasting friendships.



All this in a loving , caring, supporting.

Natalie Santiago Bidne: 

What’s your favorite part about being the owner of Henna Caravan?

Flavia McQueen: 

my favorite part of being part owner (Jessica is the other part) is being able to spend time with my daughters, and see other families having fun together. The friendships we have made through henna are amazing and such a wonderful part of our life.

Natalie Santiago Bidne: 

 



Is there anything else you wanted to add? Anything you wanted to say about HC in general?

Flavia McQueen: 

Our motto is “working together for mutual success.” We really walk the walk and talk the talk, I think. We try to provide the best products for a fair price and to provide great customer service whether it is a one item order or a large order. We work hard for our customers and as working henna artists we know what you need!



Flavia McQueen: I think that about covers it all, I could go on and on of course, but you know all that already.

Final Remarks

Please take some time to look through Henna Caravan’s website www.hennacaravan.com.  Henna Caravan offers everything from body art and hair dye henna to body-safe glitter to apply on top of your henna designs.  I’ve never had any problems, nor have I ever been disatisfied with the quality of Henna Caravan products.  Don’t forget to ask for a free sample of henna glitter with your order!